Getting back to regular business eventually, here’s yet another instalment of this here little thing.I’m hoping to start off some new features too next week, but I don’t think this is quite the end of Friday… yet! Full steam ahead…

TV: After the Noel Fielding foray, I’m loving re-watching the Mighty Boosh and loads of really random Noel Fielding clips. As tonight is Hallowe’en I’m going to watch the Nanageddon episode and fully embrace the darkness (and have an excuse to eat loads of sweets…). I’m also still fully enamoured with Bones, and I’m almost finished with my re-watch, 9 episodes to go!

Things to do: As things are about to get really hectic at work, I’m using a half shit tomorrow followed by two days off as a chance to escapes and see family before I don’t even get a chance to stop! So I’m jumping straight on the train up to Marske with my knitting in tow to visit the grandparents and completely shut off for a bit. I’m going to need it too after next wee’s jam-packed week, including Nando’s, Bonfire Night, the saddest leaving do and Circa Waves. What a treat…

Wants: I recently finished re-watching Girls, as it’s amazing and completely remembered the limited edition Deborah Lippmann collection that was released. You know I’m a sucker for a make up collection that relates to something I obsess over *cough* Pulp Fiction *cough*, so this is right up my street. A collection of 4 colours, one for each girl in the series. I’m not a fan of green but the Hannah colour is actually one of my favourites in this set, a traditional Hunter green (I can match it to my wells for winter!) and of course the Jessa colour is another that I love, being so close to Mrs Mia Wallace from Urban Decay that is permanently on my fingers and toes! And just look at that packaging too!

Another desperate want over here is a new pair of jeans. I attempted to start the search last payday and ended up almost in tears, so let’s give this another try and return to the beginning. Through my first year at uni I think I wore jeans once, as I was still attempting to find a good pair (and of course I really like skirts and dresses) but I eventually cracked it with the standard black Topshop Baxter pair that everyone owns at least one of! The old style that I loved so much and worn to death are currently reduced to just £25 so I may have to treat myself, even though I’ve strayed since and tried both Leigh and Joni jeans I think Baxter are the ones for me and my enormous ass!

Music: I’m not going to lie, one thing has been playing constantly this week and I’m not even ashamed to admit it. Taylor Swift’s new album 1989 dropped this week and hasn’t stopped playing at all. A departure form her usual country style, but it is utter pop perfection. there’s no overtly sexual lyrics like Rihanna, no faux lesbianism like Katy Perry, just fierce and feisty good clean pop fun. The opening six songs are the some of the finest songs I’ve heard so far this year, especially Blank Space and Style. I’m already secretly counting down until a tour announcement and the vinyl release… Oh and I definitely don’t know all the words already…

I promised to write this sooner but time has got away from me (and I’ve spent far too long messing around with the layout of this blog rather than actually write), so here is a brief review of what occurred last Friday, on a much needed trip out with the best friend…

Given the fact that I avoided Luxury Comedy as much as I possibly could as I let the reviews taint my view and a misguided dislike of it not involving Julian Barrett, I was completely unsure of what to expect when we turned up at the Victoria Theatre for what was imaginatively titled ‘An Evening With Noel Fielding’.

Brought on stage by the ever-wonderful Moon, the show started out just like any other stand up, Noel delivering pieces to the audience and interacting with the front couple of rows (those poor, poor people), in fact the only indication that this was a Noel Fielding gig was that he came on stage in a magnificent cape. Understated as ever. Going on to explain the set up of the night involved various characters introduced on stage and some more neat animation tricks it really was an enjoyable first half, culminating in a nice little story time before a quick interval.

The second half was a similar treat, but making a slight detour from your traditional comedy gig (I’ll not spoil the surprise though). Yet more treats were in store, with an insane amount of audience participation, a few risky ebola jokes, one very risky Luther joke and learning the pitfalls of improvising with animation, Noel had the evening down to a fine art. The final quest of the night really was a tour de force and made a hero out of Steve (the show should come with an advisory moment if you sit anywhere near the front). The show was incredibly slick for the beginning of a tour and if the huge crowds gathered to meet Noel outside were anything to go by, the whole of Halifax were pretty damn impressed.

It was never going to be a Mighty Boosh show, but the sheer enthusiasm Noel has not only for his material but for the general excitement of the crowd as well has convinced me that I really do need to try Luxury Comedy out as it may help to fill the Boosh shaped hole in my heart. While Julian was missed, we left the place wanting to see it all over again, and with Noel extending the tour well into 2015 it looks like we’ll get that chance…

It’s been all too quiet on the Emily front for far too long. Recently I’ve just let life get away with me, to a point of real unhappiness. No one wants to read about the misery though, so I’ll spare that…

I’m attempting to get back on track properly now. I’ve fixed upon life plans (A, B and C, always prepared) and I’m gradually attempting to achieve things that I love to keep myself going while I attempt to muddle my way to decide which one of the aforementioned plans is the one thats going to really work for me. Fingers crossed for A as that means I get to reunite with the rest of my family, for the minute sum of $1,490. Don’t expect me to have fun anytime soon…

If all this fails, I’ve started looking for jobs that might make me happy. Too much has gone on for me to stay where I am, as much as I love the place, but then again who knows what the future holds? How does this all relate to this here blog, I hear you ask? Well let me begin…

Music has always been something that made me happy, but I’ve begun to struggle to write about it. Pretty shocking for a journalism graduate right. But I’m going to get that back. I’m hoping tom spend less time thinking about work (I never escape that place) and more time heading to gigs. I saw The Horrors and The Cribs recently and just didn’t have the time to even consider writing those up. I’m not just going to cover music though, I’m off to see Noel Fielding tomorrow night and I’m making a promise now that you’ll get a review of that, it’s pencilled in for Monday!

I’ve also started to become good at sweet home stuff, I’ve already shared my kick ass brownie recipe and there’s loads more where that came from. I’ve got DIY and craft projects that I really want to do and really fun interiors things planned that I think people will really want to see. I’ve got to be prepared incase plan A is a failure and I’m currently lacking in a bookcase, drawers and just generally any storage for my room. And than’s with me even living there a year…

I’m getting to a better place, there’s fewer tears at least, and all the things I have planned are really exciting me (I’m definitely not counting down tip I go see The National, not at all…) which is genuinely helping. In the meantime expect to see a few more regular posts on here, plenty of time for me to spout loads of rubbish at you…

Back again after last weeks non-action (that kind of happens when you’re one of the only members of staff and have to do 8 days straight at work) but I’m still attempting to keep up with my more writing pledge to myself. So while I really should be baking for our 1st birthday party at work, I’m writing this and listening to Pulled Apart By Horses (review to come!). Onto the good stuff:

TV: Yet more Bake Off, but we’ll see how much longer that lasts after this weeks Bin-gate dismissing my beloved hipster baker Iain. I’m now convinced that Mary Berry may well be the devil, but I do have a tendency to overreact… I’ve also been obsessively watching Project Runway, not at all bitter that I could do a better job than some of those people and the other day resulted in an enormous binge of America’s Next Top Model now I realised that the new series has started. I watch too much trashy TV…

Things to do: Aforementioned 8 days straight has meant I’ve had little time to think let alone actually do anything! However I have been mentally preparing myself to go back to ballet, especially since its now less than 2 weeks away! Oh and next week will have a trip out I think, perhaps a little meander to IKEA as I need a nice plant pot for the strawberries that I’m attempting to grow and I definitely need a trip to the cinema to see What If? and Obvious Child, such light happy film choices there!

Wants: While I am attempting to save so I can enjoy a summer of festivals next year, its been pointed out that I have holidays left at work AND the fact that I need a holiday that is not just going back to visit Mum and Dad in America. One quick phone call later and I have somehow cajoled the best friend into a November trip to Paris, so no more treats for me! However, I’m quickly putting together an excellent 3 day trip including dinner by the Sacre Coeur, fireworks at Disneyland Paris, and the all important shopping around Paris. I’ve already earmarked some excellent vintage stores to hit, just sadly the exchange rate is pants!

Just look at that spectacle, and having not been there since I was 9 or 10, I’m so excited to get this all booked. Which will happen if we get this bonus at work (so everyone keep your fingers crossed for me!) I’ve even found us a super little apartment in Montmarte on airbnb!

Sly mention to the Urban Decay X Pulp Fiction collection that launches on the 1st over here. I didn’t manage to get my hands on any in America when it launched over there, but my desire to resemble Mia has not yet subsided and Monday may be costly…

Music: I’ve already mentioned Pulled Apart By Horses above, and now I’m about to crack onto the new Interpol album but more on those when I get round to finding time to write a proper review. Not a vague promise this time though, there is time pencilled in the diary! I’ve also been guiltily listening to the new Taylor Swift song AS IT IS SO GOOD (and I’m totally down with her feminism stance) and as always a little bit of Beyonce has crept in, especially after THAT VMA performance. Tears did fall (I’ve cried so often this week…) So to round this week off, here is the best Beyonce song (and video) ever, in my opinion anyway…

So, it seems I’m still not able to keep my personal promise of writing more often! Lesson learnt, hand slapped and away we go…

TV: THE BAKE OFF IS BACK! Those that know me considerably well know how utterly enamoured I am with the show (and are slowly but surely attempting to get me to apply for the next series, not sure I could apply again though…). It’s even inspired me to muddle through with another of my post holiday resolutions of cooking more, and this week I whipped up a batch of my signature brownies, a far greater amount than needed of cinnamon buns and a loaf of bread. Check the little domestic goddess here! If you need me you know where I’ll be, perched on the edge of the sofa every Wednesday evening, and don’t even get me started on the fact we get a spin off show on a Friday night too *waves goodbye to my life*

Also, through my recent trip to the states I’ve developed a massive Bones obsession, quite probably due to my little brother’s sheer obsession with the show. Its even encouraged him to study to become a forensic anthropologist (he’s not your average 14 year old). Thanks to a sneaky bit of trickery with Netflix I’m watching it all from the beginning all over again. I’m so excited, but then again I’m in a fairly excitable mood it seems at the minute…

Things to do: This week has been a combination of THE gig (more on that later) and a very belated cinema trip. Given I’m somewhat of a Marvel obsessive, Guardians Of The Galaxy was a must see for me, blame my upbringing. Having just got back, I can wholeheartedly say it is worth the trip. With more risqué jokes than the Avengers film, and an arguably better plot, I was won over from the off. It also has the benefit of relatively unknown characters featured so there were no real expectations as to what to expect, like there may have been previously with the likes of Thor and Iron Man. Even though the film is pretty long, it doesn’t feel it like it did with The Hobbit, which left me with a numb bum, it seems marvel really have got the pacing of the action down to a tee in this film, it never seemed to drag. I can only add that I have so much love for Star Lord, quite possibly the role of Chris Pratt’s life, and there was the usual fun spotting game to be had. We managed Brendan from Hollyoaks and Kirk from Gilmore Girls. Who would have thunk it?!

Wants: I’m being economical here. My constant saving so I can get on with my summer plans for next year means very few treats for this Emily. However, this week I did manage to squeeze in my first haircut in probably a year and a nice little vinyl shop. This is where charity shops are the best. I managed to dig out two Jam singles for my Dad, along with two Beat singles and a Style Council one, plus a cheeky Dee-Lite single for Momma Solan, not to mention my own purchases of Switches, Test Icicles, Cajun Dance Party, The Ordinary Boys and Larrikin Love. Indie Disco anyone? Seriously, if anyone is ever on the look out for mid-naughties indie head to Headingley, the ones I left behind included Be Your Own Pet, The Others, The Paddingtons (regretting that one kind of…) and Hot Hot Heat. What a treasure trove. I also bought this sneaky little purchase:

I’m so excited to crack into this already for Sunday. We go again! Especially with my soft spot for Markovic and the fact that he looks like he belongs in 10 Things I Hate About You rather than a football team. This also needs to tell me to step right back out of my still occurring 90s phase…

Music: So back to that gig. This is another one of those ‘I’ve been waiting all year for this’ gig. Neutral Milk Hotel. Yes, Neutral Milk Hotel. In The Airplane Over The Sea is such an incredible song and to actually see it live was such a special moment. Not forgetting On Avery Island also, it was a sight to behold. And such a refreshing one with banned photos so I didn’t have to watch it through someones phone screen! Opening with Two Headed Boy, little old me that was two, yes two (!) people away from Jeff Mangum let out a little sob. With almost a dream set list and almost replicating the records exactly, it is one of those gigs that I’ll never forget. Especially since every gig I go to this year is smashing my all time top 5 gig list out of the water, what more can the rest of the year hold? The genuine highlight was getting to see Oh Comely live (well actually just everything live) but this was such a special moment, and one I want to relive forever. I still haven’t stopped listening to the band since the gig, but needs must, I feel like I’m clinging on to a dream. Just watching Julian Koster dance around the stage whilst playing the assortment of crazy instruments he does really felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity. One that I really hope isn’t, but I at least have the memories and the music if it is. Oh and the bag I bought, given how I’m a sucker for a merch stand at a gig…

I make no promises for no more spontaneous crying when looking back on this moment, and make no promises for regular postings as we have no staff at work! That’s even if I do manage to do anything exciting…

Perfectionism is a difficult trait. As a self-confessed perfectionist it should be an idea that I struggle to affix to things knowing my own issues, yet The National always slip through that net. It’s their own fault honest, not the ridiculous amount of things that I emotionally attach to them, so tied to missed opportunities and well pretty much everything. But, what better way to let that shine than on stage at BST Hyde Park 9even if they were only supporting Neil Young). I mean just look how beautiful that stage is…

A support set may have been a greatest hits set, but who could complain when listening to Matt Berninger’s emotional baritone and his somewhat unnerving screams on earlier songs ‘Abel’ and ‘Mr November’ off “Alligator”, with the latter even including Matt’s customary foray into the crowd. Despite us being smack bang in front of him, he hurtfully went to the opposite side of the sizeable crowd gathered. I’m taking this as a personal affront (but one that shall be rectified come November at the O2!).

Tracks from the most recent album “Trouble Will Find Me” were similarly drenched in emotion, especially ‘I Should Live In Salt’. Even with the sun beating down on the crowd, there was still the sombre mood stereotypically attached to the band. Bringing out both ‘I Need My Girl’ and ‘This Is The Last Time’ was always going to be a winner in my eyes, because yes I do still affix them to that excellent Mindy Project appearance (I still can’t quite get my head around the fact that The National, well Matt, watches The Mindy Project!), but they retained that beautiful heart stealing quality that is so stunning on record. Yes I nearly fired, so what?!

My own personal highlights included ‘Sea Of Love’, if just for the sheer amount that the song means to me in so many ways, and everything they played off “High Violet” because that album is perfect in my eyes. ‘Bloodbuzz Ohio won out over ‘England’ for the title of most beautiful moment of the set , even with the latter’s use of the screens in the background to create the rainy backdrop we so readily associate with this country! The twins dedicated ‘Bloodbuzz…’ to their father who had flown in to see them from said state, tearing at my heartstrings as the band only can, with a rendition that was so clean and perfect it made me want to fly over to visit the middle-of-no-where state (not my words, but those of my new plane friend Katie, who was amazed that a band came from Ohio!). I suppose it doesn’t help that this has pride of place on my running playlist at the minute either…

Ending on ‘Terrible Love’ was a masterstroke, an opportunity for yet more raw emotion from the entire band. Heart wrenching, gut wrenching and every other wrenching you could think of, my tear ducts almost betrayed me at this point and let the flood out, but that thankfully waited until I was safely on my way home, and I somehow managed to keep it together. The same probably cannot be said for seeing them at the O2 in November when they wheel out ‘Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks’ but I really shouldn’t be held responsible for my actions when it comes to that song.

But enough of that. For my first time seeing The National (a crime yes, to say how much I love them) it was more perfect than I could imagine. My love for the band has increased exponentially and I do kind of just want a mini Matt Berninger or Bryan Devendorf just to carry around with me, it would make my days at work a lot better! And don’t even get me started on Mistaken For Strangers, I think that needs a whole other post!

The brilliant thing is though, that this perfect weekend has taught me a lot more that I could have ever imagined too. It took the band until they were almost 40 to really break through, so why am i spending my life currently attempting to get somewhere I might not even supposed to be? I’m 23, I don’t need my shit together yet. So now I’m concentrating on the stuff I love rather than falling back into the pattern of busting my gut at work for nothing. It’s someone else’s turn now. Get ready for me writing more, reading more, doing more and just generally adventuring. The world is my oyster, or so the cliche says…

Oh relax, a girl took a break! I’m joking obviously, I just couldn’t face writing, more of which later. But back to the grindstone hi ho and all that jazz, all here for another round up of stuff…

TV: I’m still not caught up to Game Of Thrones, I’m no further in my Buffy watch and the less said about Breaking Bad the better. This week has been dedicated to attempting to get through my LoveFilm watch list before deleting it! So far I’ve caught Stephen Merchant’s Hello Ladies live show (so so bloody funny, worth watching whether you like his previous work or not) and Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World. I really didn’t expect much from Seeking… but its simple charm won me over in the end. Then again I’ll watch anything with Steve Carrell in. And the fact that I identified far too much with Keira Knightly’s character didn’t help either.

I can regularly be found hugging my records too…

Things To Do: This is where I’m falling down a tad this week. Previously I’ve been so used to having someone to plan things to do with, yet not the case anymore. Nope, little old Emily is lonely yet again, so I’m currently attempting to make loads of plans with friends to keep me occupied. So far I’m off to see The Horrors in September, taking the best friend on a trip to see Wicked and drinking far more than a person attempting to lose weight should do!

Wants: I’m trying not to have as many wants this week! I managed to get the sandals from my last post as a present (hello birthday money!) and now I’m counting down until my Chicago visit! So other wants this week include more time to finish reading all the bloody books I’ve started and the same for my knitting projects. I’m also currently watching some addidas Gazelles on eBay so wish me luck for them! I realise once I buy those I’m essentially turning into my Dad, but what’s new there! I also want to find more people to swap with now I’m fully back into my Panini addiction! This was my wild Friday night:

I’m so cool.

Music: This is my main passionate one this week. I’ve long been a fan of Morecombe’s The Heartbreaks, queuing for hours to get their RSD release a few years back and first catching them at Dot To Dot Festival 2010, I’ve been utterly enamoured. And not just for the usual reason that they’re beautiful boys with guitars (I’m so easily pleased). They write real, honest and heart wrenching songs. They’ve been my rock through heartbreak these past two weeks. Imagine my excitement when we’re just a week away from the release of their second album, yet it’s not available on vinyl. Normally I’m not always fussed, but this time I’d like to just complete my collection. Thankfully Twitter was just as up in arms as me, and no doubt the bass record label have been inundated with requests to press the damn vinyl (just do it please, we’ll all shut up then). Don’t agree with me? Take one listen to the single Absolved (and its accompanying excellent video) and just picture how amazing it will sound on vinyl. I do this regularly but its a well known fact I need to get out more.

Don’t let the bastards win, email their record company now (check out The Heartbreaks twitter to find it). Give the people the vinyl. An added note is that The Heartbreaks are actually the only band where I fancy the drummer the most, if anyone was interested (no one was). As you were…

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IndieSindie is …

Run by Emily, a Journalism graduate pretending to be an Angel on an almost daily basis. Besides being crap at being a girl, I have a rather worrying obsession with music and Netflix. People often say I have to get out more...
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